South Carolina Cotton Bolls

I’ve had this sort of crazy fascination with cotton bolls since I saw this post by Puttin’ On The Grits. Long story short, I wanted cotton bolls to copy (for a copycat challenge) Nicole’s dresser but couldn’t find them…and believe me I looked.

My friends Jane and Leo from Cottage at the Crossroads read about my search. One day not too long ago Jane and Leo were driving along a South Carolina road when they passed a cotton field. Jane made Leo stop the car so she could get out and pick me some cotton. How’s that for a friend?

For those of you raised in the South where cotton bolls are no big deal, you probably think I’m nuts…but I’m from Ohio and we don’t grow cotton up here. I had never seen a real cotton boll. When I opened the box from Jane and Leo I was thrilled.

I knew I wanted to somehow use them in my kitchen. This is the one piece of counter top which doesn’t get much traffic so it stays clutter-free. I used an ironstone tureen and a silver creamer, and of course the cotton bolls, to freshen things up.

I added a tray and cloche to finish things off.

The bolls are so organic and add texture. They are also tall on the interest factor…at least here in Ohio!

I couldn’t resist adding a little bittersweet. In my opinion they make the perfect pair.

Blogging has opened many doors for me and I’ve met some wonderful people. Jane and Leo are among my favorites. Of course, I use the term “met” very loosely. We’ve not ever seen each other. Hopefully we will meet someday, for real.

To find out more about how cotton is grown and harvested visit Cottage at the Crossroads. Jane has shared all sorts of interesting tidbits about South Carolina cotton. She also made her own cotton boll wreath. Definitely worth stopping by!

Thoughts from my friends...

When I saw the cotton boles I wondered how you got them. I know they don’t grow in Ohio. I saw them growing on a field once when we drove to Florida, but I’ve never seen them up close. What a great thing to have to decorate with and what a treasure of a friend.

It is so funny, cotton is everywhere here in Georgia, yet I still think this is beautiful. I have been contemplating making something with it but thought that it would seem crazy to everyone else but maybe now I will….

I love your arrangement Ann. It looks so pretty in your tureen and silver pitcher. Bless Jane and Leo. They are the sweetest couple ever! I guess we do take cotton fields for granted down here in the South. I just laugh and laugh at the prices I’ve seen on faux cotton. Did you happen to see a pic of the arrangement that Kristen from Sophia’s Decor made for the registration table at the Southern Bloggers Conference?

It’s funny how you live with something all your life, and take it for granted! Cotton fields are all around here. So nice of your friends to share some with you! Looks so pretty paired with the ironstone! :)

Hi Ann, I remember bringing home bolls of cotton from family trips to the south when I was a child. We were fascinated by them too, and we pulled them apart to try to make beds for the dolls and trolls. Blogging has certainly reminded me that what some of us take for granted, others in far away parts of our country or world find unusual and interesting. Your cloche and dish are beautiful. Linda

As a child my grandpa grew cotton, and it was so much fun to go out and get those long bags and go out and “pick” it. I thought that was a really big deal. I would always find the most beautiful boll and take home with me so I could take to school for show and tell. Oh girl, you have brought back some really good memories with your cotton blog. Thanks for reminding me of the little things in life. :) Love your display, by the way. Too cute.

The orange bittersweet is just the right complement to the white cotton bolls, Ann. We all seem to be intrigued with items that are not the norm for our area, aren’t we? Like the simplicity of your counter corner. :-)

Yes, we do have cotton in the south, but I never see any fields of it around us so Leo brought me some to the conference. I have seen it sold here where you get one or two stems for $10. I love yours in the kitchen.

Wasn’t she sweet to send you some cotton bolls? I was born in Alabama and there was cotton all over the place but I’ve never seen cotton bolls displayed so beautiful. Well, actually, I don’t think I’ve ever seen it displayed! :) Be a sweetie, Shelia ;)

I saw Jane and Leo at the Conference and I know they had a trunk full of cotton…they were so wonderful to send some to you….that Leo is such a “cotton pickin’ great guy”…!…Love the cotton in the silver pitcher…just getting around to putting some in mine too!!…Love the South and cotton…!!…Beautiful arrangement Ann!

Ann, I’m so glad you like your cotton! I suppose I have taken its beauty for granted, but I’m seeing it in a whole new way now. Perhaps next year we’ll plant a little in the garden just to use for decorating!

I totally understand how you feel. I am from California and I know they grow cotton somewhere down south, but it is not readily grown or seen here. I remember the first time I saw a REAL southern cotton field in Virginia. At first I did not know what it was and then when I figured it out, I got so excited, so I totally understand your excitement. Blogland is a wonderful place full of virtual friends and friendships. Kathysue

That is so cute. I live close to Jane and Leo and have cotton in front of me in field. I guess we do take it for granted. So glad Jane shared some with you and you have showcased the cotton in a very elegant way. Dolly

Oh that looks awesome! You are so lucky that she thought of you! I think the cotton bolls look great under the cloche! Great way to preserve them too! I’ve never seen cotton growing in real life- just in the movies or pictures!

M mom grew up on a cotton farm in Central California. I have great memories of jumping in big piles in the back of the trucks on the way to the cotton gin. I have great photos of him on the farm. Sweet memories!

From this South Carolina girl I love this entire sweet story. Jane and Leo are the best. Joe gets me cotton all the time and I have big bundles of it on the deck and some of it I decorate as trees for Christmas. I love yours in the kitchen. xo, olive

I understand your search for cotton bolls, Even though I live in the South, cotton bolls are hard to find. How wonderful that Jane sent you some. i may have to make a trip to the back roads to SC to get some. It certainly doesn’t seem to grow along the interstate. LOL LOVE your copy cat vignette. Cotton bolls in a silver creamer? Perfect! Are you sure there aren’t some Southerners somewhere in your line? :) Hugs, Babs

How beautifully you’ve displayed your cotton! I love cotton too… I love the fields and I love bringing it indoors. How sweet of Jane and Leo to send you some! Blogging friendships really are something special.

You know… when I saw this snippet on facebook, it made me realize I needed some real Cotton! The picture was so pretty and the texture is just divine. I found myself thinking I should really try to get some. Love it in the kitchen. You’ll get to enjoy it lots. It looks so pretty :)

How sweet is that! I have never seen them either so I attempted to make my own. It’s funny how somethings are just taken for granted.

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